Acapulco Bay seen from a Costera tourist zone hotel. The city's lucrative port is a bone of contention among rival drug cartels.

Acapulco Bay seen from a Costera tourist zone hotel. The city's lucrative port is a bone of contention among rival drug cartels.

Photo: Christine Delsol, Special To SFGate

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The corpse of a man found wrapped in black plastic tied by the hands and with signs of torture lies in the floor along the highway at the municipality of "Los Organos de Juan R. Escudero" in Acapulco, Guerrero state, Mexico on December 4, 2017. During 2017 the figures of homicides counted by the government broke records in several months, while places that had not been hit by violence today are a cause of concern. Grisly killings were once rare in the country's tourism hotspots but have risen in recent years as organized crime has grown.

The corpse of a man found wrapped in black plastic tied by the hands and with signs of torture lies in the floor along the highway at the municipality of "Los Organos de Juan R. Escudero" in Acapulco, Guerrero

The bodies of two men killed with a point-blank shot to the head, who were taken to the forensic service as unidentified victims, lie on the ground in the Nopalitos neighborhood on the outskirts of Acapulco, Guerrero state on November 25, 2017. Up to November, 23,101 people were murdered this year in Mexico, according to the Interior Ministry - the highest number in two decades, surpassing the 22,409 people killed in 2011, when the country's drug cartels began a process of fragmentation.

The bodies of two men killed with a point-blank shot to the head, who were taken to the forensic service as unidentified victims, lie on the ground in the Nopalitos neighborhood on the outskirts of Acapulco,

Mexican soldiers guard the crime scene where a human arm was found in the beach of Hornos, in the tourist city of Acapulco, Guerrero state, Mexico on October 3, 2017. The city of Acapulco suffers a wave of violence attributed to the fight between drug cartels that intend to control the territory.

Mexican soldiers guard the crime scene where a human arm was found in the beach of Hornos, in the tourist city of Acapulco, Guerrero state, Mexico on October 3, 2017. The city of Acapulco suffers a wave of

Forensic personnel search for evidence in the hand of a woman murdered in the Renaissance City neighborhood in the touristic city of Acapulco, Guerrero state, Mexico on October 12, 2017. According to newspaper reports so far this year at least 70 women have been killed in the state of Guerrero.

Forensic personnel search for evidence in the hand of a woman murdered in the Renaissance City neighborhood in the touristic city of Acapulco, Guerrero state, Mexico on October 12, 2017. According to newspaper

The corpses of two executed men lie at the Nopalitos neighborhood in the suburbs of Acapulco, Guerrero state, Mexico on November 25, 2017. During 2017 the figures of homicides counted by the government broke records in several months, while places that had not been hit by violence today are a cause of concern. Grisly killings were once rare in the country's tourism hotspots but have risen in recent years as organized crime has grown.

The corpses of two executed men lie at the Nopalitos neighborhood in the suburbs of Acapulco, Guerrero state, Mexico on November 25, 2017. During 2017 the figures of homicides counted by the government broke

A funeral parlour worker carries a coffin for one of the 28 inmatess killed on the eve in a riot at the Las Cruces prison in Acapulco, Guerrero state, Mexico on July 7, 2017. Twenty-eight inmates were killed as rioters beheaded and hacked their rivals to death Thursday at the Las Cruces prison in Acapulco, the latest explosion of violence in Mexico's often lawless jails.

A funeral parlour worker carries a coffin for one of the 28 inmatess killed on the eve in a riot at the Las Cruces prison in Acapulco, Guerrero state, Mexico on July 7, 2017. Twenty-eight inmates were killed as

Coroners from the city of Acapulco remove a body from Barranca de la Laja, an impoverished neighborhood in Acapulco, Mexico.on July 20, 2017. The body, which had been decapitated and the legs dismembered, was buried in the floor of a residence of the chronically violent neighborhood. Police and military rarely venture into the city's "colonies," unless it is to remove bodies.

Coroners from the city of Acapulco remove a body from Barranca de la Laja, an impoverished neighborhood in Acapulco, Mexico.on July 20, 2017. The body, which had been decapitated and the legs dismembered, was

Visitors head to the entrance of Las Cruces prison in Acapulco, Guerrero state on July 7, 2017 the day after a riot between prisoners left 28 dead and three wounded Rioting inmates at the Mexican prison beheaded and mutilated their rivals, whose bodies were found strewn around the maximum-security wing, the kitchen, a prison yard and a conjugal visits area, in the latest explosion of violence in the country's often lawless jails.

Visitors head to the entrance of Las Cruces prison in Acapulco, Guerrero state on July 7, 2017 the day after a riot between prisoners left 28 dead and three wounded Rioting inmates at the Mexican prison

Relatives of inmates remain outside of the district attorney's office in Acapulco, Guerrero on July 6, 2017, state following a riot between prisoners at a jail. Rioting inmates at a Mexican prison slit their rivals' throats and beat them to death, leaving 28 dead in the latest explosion of violence in the country's often lawless jails.

Relatives of inmates remain outside of the district attorney's office in Acapulco, Guerrero on July 6, 2017, state following a riot between prisoners at a jail. Rioting inmates at a Mexican prison slit their

EDITORS NOTE: Graphic content / A federal police officer marks off the crime scene where parts of a dismembered body were found in a water channel in the Carabali neigbourhood in Acapulco, Mexico on August 8, 2016. With a population of 810,000, the tourist resort of Acapulco ranks as one of the most violent cities in the world, with a murder rate of 111 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2015.

EDITORS NOTE: Graphic content / A federal police officer marks off the crime scene where parts of a dismembered body were found in a water channel in the Carabali neigbourhood in Acapulco, Mexico on August 8,

The corpse of a murdered man lies on a sidewalk in Acapulco, Guerrero state, Mexico, on August 29, 2016. Acapulco, once known as a celebrities refuge during the 50's, is now the city with the highest homicides rate of the country due to the flourishing of drug trafficking.

The corpse of a murdered man lies on a sidewalk in Acapulco, Guerrero state, Mexico, on August 29, 2016. Acapulco, once known as a celebrities refuge during the 50's, is now the city with the highest homicides

Parts of a dismembered body lie on a street of the San Isidro neigbourhood in Acapulco, Mexico on July 14, 2016. With a population of 810,000 the touristic resort of Acapulco ranks as one of the most violent cities in the world, with a crime rate of 111 murders per 100,000 inhabitants in 2015.Images)

Parts of a dismembered body lie on a street of the San Isidro neigbourhood in Acapulco, Mexico on July 14, 2016. With a population of 810,000 the touristic resort of Acapulco ranks as one of the most violent

Forensic personnel move the body of a young man murdered on August 7, 2015 in a street of Acapulco, Mexico. Guerrero is one of Mexico's poorest and most violent states, where a lucrative drug trade has flourished.

Forensic personnel move the body of a young man murdered on August 7, 2015 in a street of Acapulco, Mexico. Guerrero is one of Mexico's poorest and most violent states, where a lucrative drug trade has

People stand before the body of one of two murder victims on a street in Acapulco, Guerrero State, Mexico, on April 5, 2016. Guerrero is one of Mexico's poorest and most violent states, where a lucrative drug trade has flourished.

People stand before the body of one of two murder victims on a street in Acapulco, Guerrero State, Mexico, on April 5, 2016. Guerrero is one of Mexico's poorest and most violent states, where a lucrative drug

A soldier takes a picture as forensic personnel move the body of a young man murdered on August 7, 2015 in a street of Acapulco, Mexico. Guerrero is one of Mexico's poorest and most violent states, where a lucrative drug trade has flourished.

A soldier takes a picture as forensic personnel move the body of a young man murdered on August 7, 2015 in a street of Acapulco, Mexico. Guerrero is one of Mexico's poorest and most violent states, where a

Mexican soldiers patrol a beach at the Bay of Santa Lucia in Acapulco, Guerrero state, Mexico after an increase of violence in the tourist area of this sea resort, on March 4, 2016. The country endured 10 years of drug violence that has left 100,000 people dead or missing.

Mexican soldiers patrol a beach at the Bay of Santa Lucia in Acapulco, Guerrero state, Mexico after an increase of violence in the tourist area of this sea resort, on March 4, 2016. The country endured 10 years

Mexican soldiers patrol a beach at the Bay of Santa Lucia in Acapulco, Guerrero state, Mexico after an increase of violence in the tourist area of this sea resort, on March 4, 2016. The country endured 10 years of drug violence that has left 100,000 people dead or missing. AFP PHOTO / PEDRO PARDO / AFP / Pedro PARDO (Photo credit should read PEDRO PARDO/AFP/Getty Images)

Mexican soldiers patrol a beach at the Bay of Santa Lucia in Acapulco, Guerrero state, Mexico after an increase of violence in the tourist area of this sea resort, on March 4, 2016. The country endured 10 years

Municipal police look for spent shell casings at the scene of a homicide in Acapulco, Mexico. While homicides are plentiful in the once popular seaside city of Acapulco, Mexico, convictions or arrests are nearly nonexistent. Residents complain that there is rarely even an investigation into the murders of their loved ones. Here, residents walked through the crime scene unimpeded. less

Municipal police look for spent shell casings at the scene of a homicide in Acapulco, Mexico. While homicides are plentiful in the once popular seaside city of Acapulco, Mexico, convictions or arrests are ... more

Photo: Washington Post Photo By Michael Robinson Chavez.

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A young man, part of an auto defensa force, stands at his post in Teloloapan, Guerrero, part of the Tierra Caliente region. Slowly, the region's economy is being asphyxiated by the criminal groups. Business owners say that vendors of mangos, cucumbers and other produce must pay cartels one peso - about 5 cents - per kilogram they sell. Restaurants needing chicken meat are forced to buy from gang-specified suppliers. Extortion is rampant in all aspects of the local economies. less

A young man, part of an auto defensa force, stands at his post in Teloloapan, Guerrero, part of the Tierra Caliente region. Slowly, the region's economy is being asphyxiated by the criminal groups. Business ... more

Photo: Washington Post Photo By Michael Robinson Chavez.

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Gathering outside a home where a young man was murdered, friends and relatives mourn in Colonia Santa Cruz, a violent neighborhood of Acapulco, Mexico. The dominant drug cartel in Acapulco broke up 10 years ago. The criminals now in charge resemble neighborhood gangs - with names like 221 or Los Locos. Acapulco, once a playground for celebrities, is ranked as the second most dangerous city in the world. less

Gathering outside a home where a young man was murdered, friends and relatives mourn in Colonia Santa Cruz, a violent neighborhood of Acapulco, Mexico. The dominant drug cartel in Acapulco broke up 10 years ... more

Photo: Washington Post Photo By Michael Robinson Chavez.

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A boy rides in a pickup truck past an "auto defensa," or self-defense group, checkpoint in the town of San Miguel Totolapan, Mexico. The town has been the scene of pitched battles between "El Tequilero" and "El Pez," leaders of two rival drug gangs. The lack of police or military order have driven locals to form their own defense forces. A whole generation of Mexicans are growing up with homicides and cartel conflicts as part of their daily lives. less

A boy rides in a pickup truck past an "auto defensa," or self-defense group, checkpoint in the town of San Miguel Totolapan, Mexico. The town has been the scene of pitched battles between "El Tequilero" and "El ... more

Photo: Washington Post Photo By Michael Robinson Chavez.

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A Mexican soldier throws opium poppies onto a fire during an eradication operation in the growing region of Iyotla, Guerrero, Mexico. Mexico has become a the largest source of heroin for the United States market, fueling a surge in violence in the state of Guerrero. Military operations offer scant reassurance to local residents. "This is a land without law," said a businessman who works in the region. less

A Mexican soldier throws opium poppies onto a fire during an eradication operation in the growing region of Iyotla, Guerrero, Mexico. Mexico has become a the largest source of heroin for the United States ... more

Photo: Washington Post Photo By Michael Robinson Chavez.

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Cesar Corona stumbles after injecting a "Belushi," a combination of methamphetamine andheroin, into his neck at El Bordo, a desolate area populated by addicts and the homeless in Tijuana, Mexico. Corona, 27, says he has been addicted to methamphetamine and heroin since his mother committed suicide when he was 18. "It is my only escape," he says. less

Cesar Corona stumbles after injecting a "Belushi," a combination of methamphetamine andheroin, into his neck at El Bordo, a desolate area populated by addicts and the homeless in Tijuana, Mexico. Corona, 27, ... more

Photo: Washington Post Photo By Michael Robinson Chavez.

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Only 10 minutes away from the beaches of Acapulco, a world of extortion and killing thrives. Coroners carry a body through Barranca de la Laja, an impoverished neighborhood with few roads, that clings to a hillside. The body, decapitated and with the legs dismembered, was buried in the floor of a residence in the chronically violent neighborhood. less

Only 10 minutes away from the beaches of Acapulco, a world of extortion and killing thrives. Coroners carry a body through Barranca de la Laja, an impoverished neighborhood with few roads, that clings to a ... more

Photo: Washington Post Photo By Michael Robinson Chavez.

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Photo: PEDRO PARDO/AFP/Getty Images

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The body of a murdered woman lies on the crime scene in the Renaissance City neighborhood in the touristic city of Acapulco, Guerrero state, Mexico on October 12, 2017. According to newspaper reports so far this year at least 70 women have been killed in the state of Guerrero.

The body of a murdered woman lies on the crime scene in the Renaissance City neighborhood in the touristic city of Acapulco, Guerrero state, Mexico on October 12, 2017. According to newspaper reports so far

ACAPULCO, MEXICO - JULY 21: Guillermo Perez drives his taxi through some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the violent city of Acapulco, Mexico on July 21, 2017. Taxi drivers are killed at an alarming rate by the various gangs and cartels that battle in the once popular seaside resort. Many taxi driver are employed as "Halcones," or hawk in Spanish. This is slang for lookouts, employed by gangs to inform on who is entering their territories. They are often the first targets when one group invades another group's territory. (Photo by Michael Robinson Chavez/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

ACAPULCO, MEXICO - JULY 21: Guillermo Perez drives his taxi through some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the violent city of Acapulco, Mexico on July 21, 2017. Taxi drivers are killed at an alarming rate

WARNING: Graphic images. The following photos contain content that some viewers may find disturbing.

Federal police tape off the area where a man who was shot dead in broad daylight on a central avenue in Acapulco, Mexico, Sunday, Aug. 13, 2017. At least four people were shot dead in Acapulco Sunday, as Mexico recently recorded its highest monthly murder total in at least 20 years.

A federal police officer is helped to cover the body of a slain man in the tourist city of Acapulco, in Mexico's Guerrero State, on March 7, 2016. Guerrero is one of Mexico's poorest and most dangerous states, plagued by drug-related violence and crime. AFP PHOTO / PEDRO PARDO / AFP / Pedro PARDO (Photo credit should read PEDRO PARDO/AFP/Getty Images)

A federal police officer is helped to cover the body of a slain man in the tourist city of Acapulco, in Mexico's Guerrero State, on March 7, 2016. Guerrero is one of Mexico's poorest and most dangerous states,

Forensic personnel move the body of a man murdered on March 4, 2016 in Acapulco, Guerrero state, Mexico. The country endured 10 years of drug violence that has left 100,000 people dead or missing. AFP PHOTO

A police officer stands before the scene where a man was killed on a street in Acapulco, Guerrero State, Mexico on April 15, 2016. Guerrero is one of Mexico's poorest and most violent states, where a lucrative drug trade exists. / AFP / Pedro Pardo (Photo credit should read PEDRO PARDO/AFP/Getty Images)

A police officer stands before the scene where a man was killed on a street in Acapulco, Guerrero State, Mexico on April 15, 2016. Guerrero is one of Mexico's poorest and most violent states, where a lucrative

The scene where a man was killed on a street of Acapulco, Guerrero State, Mexico is seen on April 15, 2016. Guerrero is one of Mexico's poorest and most violent states, where a lucrative drug trade exists. / AFP / Pedro Pardo (Photo credit should read PEDRO PARDO/AFP/Getty Images)

The scene where a man was killed on a street of Acapulco, Guerrero State, Mexico is seen on April 15, 2016. Guerrero is one of Mexico's poorest and most violent states, where a lucrative drug trade exists. /

The body of a taxi driver is put on a stretcher after he was attacked by gunmen in Acapulco, Guerrero State, Mexico on April 11, 2015. Guerrero is one of Mexico's poorest and most violent states, where a lucrative drug trade has flourished. Last month, Mexican authorities arrested the suspected leaders of the Independent Cartel of Acapulco, believed to be responsible for much of the resort city's violence, kidnapping and extortion. AFP PHOTO / Pedro PARDO less

The body of a taxi driver is put on a stretcher after he was attacked by gunmen in Acapulco, Guerrero State, Mexico on April 11, 2015. Guerrero is one of Mexico's poorest and most violent states, where a ... more

Photo: PEDRO PARDO, Getty Images

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A Federal police officer stands guard near a body found with signs of torture, in Acapulco on April 6, 2015. Guerrero is one of Mexico's poorest and most violent states, where a lucrative drug trade has flourished. Last month, Mexican authorities arrested the suspected leaders of the Independent Cartel of Acapulco, believed to be responsible for much of the resort city's violence, kidnapping and extortion. AFP PHOTO / Pedro PARDO less

A Federal police officer stands guard near a body found with signs of torture, in Acapulco on April 6, 2015. Guerrero is one of Mexico's poorest and most violent states, where a lucrative drug trade has ... more

Photo: PEDRO PARDO, Getty Images

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A man is detained by Federal Police after he and a group of gunmen attacked and seriously injured a traffic police officer in Acapulco, Guerrero State, Mexico, on April 13, 2015. Guerrero is one of Mexico's poorest and most violent states, where a lucrative drug trade has flourished. Last month, Mexican authorities arrested the suspected leaders of the Independent Cartel of Acapulco, believed to be responsible for much of the resort city's violence, kidnapping and extortion. AFP PHOTO / Pedro PARDO less

A man is detained by Federal Police after he and a group of gunmen attacked and seriously injured a traffic police officer in Acapulco, Guerrero State, Mexico, on April 13, 2015. Guerrero is one of Mexico's ... more

Photo: PEDRO PARDO, Getty Images

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The corpse of a Mexican policeman lies at the Cuauhtemoc avenue after a shooting with gunmen on August 16, 2011 in the touristic city of Acapulco, Guerrero state. A new violence wave hit the touristic city of Acapulco where the drugs cartel are battling to take control of the area. AFP PHOTO/Pedro PARDO less

The corpse of a Mexican policeman lies at the Cuauhtemoc avenue after a shooting with gunmen on August 16, 2011 in the touristic city of Acapulco, Guerrero state. A new violence wave hit the touristic city of ... more

Photo: PEDRO PARDO, Getty Images

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A Mexican Army soldier burns about 945 kilograms of marijuana at the headquarters of IX Militar Region in Acapulco, Guererro state, on December 8, 2011. The drug was seized to alleged members of drugs cartels who operate in the touristic port city of Acapulco. AFP PHOTO/Pedro PARDO less

A Mexican Army soldier burns about 945 kilograms of marijuana at the headquarters of IX Militar Region in Acapulco, Guererro state, on December 8, 2011. The drug was seized to alleged members of drugs cartels ... more

Photo: AFP, Getty Images

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GRAPHIC CONTENT
Investigators works in a crime scene where a corpse of a man with a notice attributing the crime to a drug cartel, lies in Buena Vista neighbourhood, in the touristic port city of Acapulco, on November 10, 2011. The fight against drug trafficking in Mexico has caused a "dramatic increase" in murder, torture and abuses by security forces, reported to Human Rights Watch, while the federal courts only investigated 997 of the 45,000 homicides attributed to that struggle. AFP PHOTO/Pedro PARDO less

GRAPHIC CONTENT
Investigators works in a crime scene where a corpse of a man with a notice attributing the crime to a drug cartel, lies in Buena Vista neighbourhood, in the touristic port city of Acapulco, on ... more

Photo: PEDRO PARDO, Getty Images

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Members of the Federal Police escort three sacks of Marijuana from the drug cartel "Independiente de Acapulco", during his presentation in Mexico City on December 05, 2011. Castrejon was arrested with other members, Elizabeth Garcia, Noe Palma, Victor Hugo Mundo, Gilberto Castrejo, Carlos Garcia and Brian Jimenez, during an operation in Acapulco , Guerrero State. More than 40.000 people have been killed in rising drug-related violence in Mexico since December 2006, when President Felipe Calderon deployed soldiers and federal police to take on organized crime. AFP PHOTO/Alfredo Estrella less

Members of the Federal Police escort three sacks of Marijuana from the drug cartel "Independiente de Acapulco", during his presentation in Mexico City on December 05, 2011. Castrejon was arrested with other ... more

Photo: ALFREDO ESTRELLA, Getty Images

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A community police member wearing a cap depicting Jesus Malverde --the saint of drug traffickers-- takes part in the March for Justice and Dignity, in Ayutla de los Libres, on March 2, 2013, in the southwestern State of Guerrero, Mexico. Hundreds of civilians armed with rifles, pistols and machetes decided to provide security for the communities of Guerrero, creating a vigilante force, saying gangs were committing robberies, kidnappings and murder. Guerrero, home to the Pacific resort town of Acapulco, has been one of the states hardest hit by Mexico's drug violence, which has left more than 70,000 people killed across the country since 2006. AFP PHOTO/Pedro Pardo less

A community police member wearing a cap depicting Jesus Malverde --the saint of drug traffickers-- takes part in the March for Justice and Dignity, in Ayutla de los Libres, on March 2, 2013, in the southwestern ... more

Photo: AFP, Getty Images

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The corpses of three men and a woman lie next to the sculpture of Mexican politic Luis Donaldo Colosio, in Acapulco, Mexico, on October 27, 2010. An estimated 28,000 people have died as a result of drug related violence since President Felipe Calderon came to office in 2006 and unleashed the military against the drug cartels. AFP PHOTO/Pedro Pardo (Photo credit should read Pedro PARDO/AFP/Getty Images) less

The corpses of three men and a woman lie next to the sculpture of Mexican politic Luis Donaldo Colosio, in Acapulco, Mexico, on October 27, 2010. An estimated 28,000 people have died as a result of drug related ... more

Photo: AFP/Getty Images

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The feet of one of two men found dead near Costera Avenue in Acapulco, is seen in the trunk of a taxi on February, 11 2011. An estimated 34,200 people have been killed since 2006 when President Felipe Calderon ordered a military crackdown on drug cartels. AFP PHOTO/Pedro Pardo (Photo credit should read Pedro PARDO/AFP/Getty Images) less

The feet of one of two men found dead near Costera Avenue in Acapulco, is seen in the trunk of a taxi on February, 11 2011. An estimated 34,200 people have been killed since 2006 when President Felipe Calderon ... more

Photo: AFP/Getty Images

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The corpse of a Mexican Federal Police lies on the ground after being killed in a shoot-out in the Acapulco, Mexico on April 14, 2010. The Mexican government declared war on the drug cartels in December 2006, which has since left 22,743 deaths, according to official records. AFP PHOTO/Pedro Pardo (Photo credit should read Pedro PARDO/AFP/Getty Images) less

The corpse of a Mexican Federal Police lies on the ground after being killed in a shoot-out in the Acapulco, Mexico on April 14, 2010. The Mexican government declared war on the drug cartels in December 2006, ... more

Photo: AFP/Getty Images

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Mexica policemen walk next to a car where a body was found in Hornos Insurgentes neighborhood, in Acapulco, Guerrero state, on August 13, 2012. Acapulco is one of Mexico's most popular seaside resorts. More than 50,000 people have been killed after President Felipe Calderon launched a crackdown on the drug cartels in December 2006. AFP PHOTO/Pedro PARDOPedro PARDO/AFP/GettyImages less

Mexica policemen walk next to a car where a body was found in Hornos Insurgentes neighborhood, in Acapulco, Guerrero state, on August 13, 2012. Acapulco is one of Mexico's most popular seaside resorts. More ... more

Photo: Pedro Pardo, AFP/Getty Images

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Police and army watch as a forensic worker pauses while digging at a site where mass graves were found in the Pacific resort city of Acapulco, Mexico Thursday June 9, 2011. Officials say they have unearthed at least 10 bodies, two women and eight men, in a mass grave. Acapulco has become the scene of bloody cartel turf battles. less

Police and army watch as a forensic worker pauses while digging at a site where mass graves were found in the Pacific resort city of Acapulco, Mexico Thursday June 9, 2011. Officials say they have unearthed at ... more

Photo: AP

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Forensic workers pauses dig up bodies at a site where a mass grave was found in the Pacific resort city of Acapulco, Mexico, Thursday June 9, 2011. Officials say they have unearthed at least 10 bodies, two women and eight men, in a mass grave. Acapulco has become the scene of bloody cartel turf battles.

Forensic workers pauses dig up bodies at a site where a mass grave was found in the Pacific resort city of Acapulco, Mexico, Thursday June 9, 2011. Officials say they have unearthed at least 10 bodies, two

A federal policeman watches as workers remove a body at a site where a mass grave was found in the Pacific resort city of Acapulco, Mexico Thursday June 9, 2011. Officials say they have unearthed at least 10 bodies, two women and eight men, in a mass grave. Acapulco has become the scene of bloody cartel turf battles. less

A federal policeman watches as workers remove a body at a site where a mass grave was found in the Pacific resort city of Acapulco, Mexico Thursday June 9, 2011. Officials say they have unearthed at least 10 ... more

Photo: AP

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March 15, 2011 | The corpses of a woman and a girl lie on the floor after being shot by gunmen in Acapulco, Mexico. A woman and her two granddaughters, of six and two years-old respectively, were killed in an assault. About 34,200 people have been killed in Mexico since 2006, when President Felipe Calderon ordered a military crackdown on drug cartels. less

March 15, 2011 | The corpses of a woman and a girl lie on the floor after being shot by gunmen in Acapulco, Mexico. A woman and her two granddaughters, of six and two years-old respectively, were killed in an ... more

Photo: AFP, AFP/Getty Images

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Mexican soldiers stand by the site where three dismembered bodies were found in Acapulco, Mexico, on March 25, 2011. More than 34,600 people have been killed in drug-related violence since December 2006, when Calderon's government deployed soldiers and federal police in a widespread crackdown on the illegal cartels. less

Mexican soldiers stand by the site where three dismembered bodies were found in Acapulco, Mexico, on March 25, 2011. More than 34,600 people have been killed in drug-related violence since December 2006, when ... more

Photo: Pedro Pardo, AFP/Getty Images

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Mexican soldiers shoot their rifles during a clash between members of drug gangs and the military in Acapulco on June 6, 2009. A clash between the Mexican Army and gangs took place in the tourist zone of Cove, where condominiums, hotels, motels are located. The Mexican government has deployed some 36,000 soldiers throughout the country in an attempt to halt the war between drug cartels, which authorities blame for the majority of the 7,700 homicides in Mexico since 2008. AFP PHOTO / Claudio Vargas less

Mexican soldiers shoot their rifles during a clash between members of drug gangs and the military in Acapulco on June 6, 2009. A clash between the Mexican Army and gangs took place in the tourist zone of Cove, ... more

Photo: CLAUDIO VARGAS, AFP/Getty Images

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Acapulco, once popular Mexican town deteriorates as warring cartels provoke killings, drug addiction

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I grew up traveling to Mexico. It was an easy trip into Baja from Ventura County, California, my home. We would camp on desert points and surf for days. I always found the dusty peninsula and the country as a whole surprising, welcoming and exciting. It was not until the series of trips I took there in 2017 with Josh Partlow, our Mexico bureau chief, that I truly felt afraid. Afraid for my safety. Afraid for what Mexico had become.

The assignment started with a text from my editor, Nick Kirkpatrick, asking if I wanted to travel to a "sketchy narco zone," in Guerrero, one of Mexico's most violent states. The stories I had read about Mexican journalists being assassinated throughout the country for covering the violence and cartels were numerous. The country is second only to Syria in the number of journalists being killed on the job. But this is Mexico, a country and people I admire and respect. I knew with proper planning this was a story I wanted to photograph.

We started in the "Tierra Caliente," or Hot Land, an opium-producing region in the mountains of Guerrero that provides drugs to sustain America's heroin habit. This is a place where impoverished rural towns are terrorized by drug lords with names like "El Pez," the Big Fish, and "El Tequilero," a name that needs no translation. We met the relatives of the murdered, victims of multiple kidnappings, and vigilante groups that took up arms to protect their neighbors. It became obvious this was only a chapter of a larger story.

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Mexican divers dare death in a 100-foot plunge from La Quebrada cliff in Acapulco, Mexico in this vintage film reel.

Media: Houston Chronicle

We witnessed a mustachioed cartel member carrying an assault rifle beating a man senseless in Acapulco, the world's second most dangerous city according to homicide statistics. The once posh resort town is now a narrow beach strip frequented mostly by Mexican tourists and semi-abandoned neighborhoods ruled by gangs and violence.

In the border town of Tijuana, I met Cesar, a 27-year-old heroin addict who had started using at 18, the year his mother had committed suicide. Fluent in English and Spanish and boasting an encyclopedic knowledge of music, Cesar seemed to have charm and the ability to be successful. Instead, gripped by addiction, he is emblematic of the skyrocketing domestic drug use now present in Mexico.

Jalisco is one of Mexico's most prosperous states. It is dominated by Jalisco Nueva Generacíon, now considered the country's most powerful cartel. We found ourselves at the scene of a homicide. Luz Margarita Ramirez Gallardo had survived two gunshots to the head a month ago, on the Day of the Dead, a traditional Mexican holiday. Now she was dead, slumped in the seat of a van outside her home in Guadalajara. The hit men came back to finish the job they had failed to complete the first time.

Drug demand remains high in the United States and these areas of Mexico suffer greatly trying to fulfill that need.